Stick blenders? I like them, but rarely use them, they get into drawers and never come out. They have a narrow range of use. You can't replace a regular blender with one, but maybe half or more of the times that you would use a blender you can substitute the much more convenient stick. When you're through, stick it in water and blast it clean in a second, wipe it dry. If you do a lot of ice cream or yogurt drinks, this is the best.

You can't easily crush ice. The bearings wear easily, and really need to be lubed with plain mineral oil occasionally. The only have a two speed setting. They don't last very long, but they are relatively cheap.

Christmas is coming, find a ten dollar one somewhere, work with it, see what you think. Feel free to file the edge of the blade s with a rotary tool. Again, seriously, if I had a convenient place to store it, the thing would come out all the time.

I like my Cuisinart boat motor. It doesn't seem to get used as much as my Kitchen Aid blender, but it is quite useful for blending sauces in the pot. Make sure that you have a deep pan, or you will make the mother of all messes.

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I have one that I have had for YEARS (like 20 or so, don't even remember the brand) not used a lot, but when you need one they are great. Use it to blend soups and sauces that need that smooth consistency.

Edit: Just went and looked and mine is a Braun - its so old the plastic housing is starting to yellow, but its a tank.

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